Show dad some love with a carefully-chosen giftPublished on June 6, 2017

Share

Himalayan salt platter

Left Field Sauvignon Blanc

Canadian cheese and cheese board

Two in one vegetable and herb planter

The Brew Box

It’s often said that it’s difficult to purchase gifts for men, but I beg to differ. With Father’s Day just a few weeks away, here are some solid suggestions that are sure to please any husband, dad or grandfather on your list.

Grill Gear

The Napoleon Himalayan Salt Platter set is a terrific tool for the barbeque aficionado. The salt plate imparts an enhanced salt and mineral taste to food; things become so flavourful, you’ll end up consuming less salt with your meals as a result! It’s ideal for grilling delicate foods like fish and tender vegetables. As a bonus, you can chill the plate then use it to safely serve smoked salmon, cooked shrimp or sushi at your next backyard fiesta. Available at Preston Hardware.

Worldly Wine

Sauvignon Blanc is one of the signature wines of New Zealand and it also happens to be a very food-friendly varietal. Whether you’re looking for a summer afternoon sipper or a great match for grilled seafood, the South Island’s Te Awa winery’s Left Field Nelson 2016 Sauvignon Blanc is an absolute delight. A funky label hits at the depth of flavour inside, accented by notes of tropical fruit, lemongrass and green herbs. Available at the LCBO.

C’est Cheese

Edible gifts are always a hit! Treat Dad to a selection of Canadian-made treats, especially since cheesemakers from coast to coast have been racking up international awards. Experts from Dairy Farmers of Canada suggest putting a trio together, including a firm cheese (perhaps Avonlea’s clothbound cheddar from PEI), a soft cheese (like Natural Pastures’ Comox Camembert from BC) and a blue cheese (such as Devil's Rock Creamy Blue from Thornloe Cheese in Northern Ontario). Local cheesemongers such as The Piggy Market, Nicastros, and House of Cheese always have lots of Canadian cheeses in stock and you can find great handmade cheeseboards at Maker House in Hintonburg.

Garden Glory

For dads with a green thumb, especially if they’ve downsized from a large garden to a townhome or condo, planters are the perfect way to commune with nature in a smaller space. Try starting dad out with a vegetable or herb planter.

Mail-order treats

A BrewBox subscription (www.thebrewbox.co) is the gift that keeps on giving! Each month, dad will receive a selection of premium beer from Ontario’s top craft breweries. You can choose a discovery box or focus in on your recipient’s favourite craft brewer. Each month’s BrewBox includes 7 or 8 bottles or cans equalling approximately 4 litres of hand-crafted beer plus tasting notes, brewery profiles and beer coasters from partner breweries.